Dayton questons

[septemberhunt]

I drew the Dayton bow elk tag. I am doing tons of research on where to hunt. I have scouting trips planned and can't wait to get over and see the area. What time of the year do the elk move back into the unit? I would assume they migrate out of the area in the winter. I was wondering if anyone has recommendations on a butcher and a taxidermist. I am planning on dropping off my meat and the horns off and heading to my next hunt in Montana. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[King Krok]

Dayton cut and wrap. Owner is Scott Groom, look him up on FB, the taxidermist I use is Caspers taxidermy. He’s in walla walla.


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[septemberhunt]

Thanks for the referrals. Also another question. I am looking into getting a new spotting scope for the hunt and am not sure what one would be the best. What size would you need.  I have a $1,500 budget to spend on it.

[King Krok]

IMO, in that price range I’d go vortex razor HD spotter or the leupold. Again just my opinion. U obviously can spend more, but that’s what u have for a price range. Look the classifieds on the WA hunt forums I’ll bet u can find just what ur looking for? Hope u bang out a big un!!!


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[nwwanderer]

You could probably find several bulls down in the garbs right now, lots of little hidey hole draws and canyons close to the ag stuff.  There are wolves in those hills and the change with lobos presence and the number of bears eating calves is a big deal. 
Might try a Kowa spotter with your budget.  Mine gets daily use with no issues after 8 years.  The prominar line is second to none.
Good luck

[one shot kill]

Dayton cut and wrap. Owner is Scott Groom, look him up on FB, the taxidermist I use is Caspers taxidermy. He’s in walla walla.


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Last time I talked to my buddy who works for Mike Casper which was a couple weeks ago, he is no longer doing elk. Deer only is what I was told.

[Gonehuntin01]

Congrats...can't wait to see what your hunt brings forth...I have been trying to draw Dayton, but not my year...kill a stud.

[Wingin it]

Vortex Razor spotter is a good bet at that price point and they have a great warranty. People will chime in and say that is because you will have to use it. Maybe but I have 5 pieces of Vortex glass and have never had a failure. If you go with a bigger spotter make sure and budget a decent chunk of money for a good tripod system too.

Good luck on your Dayton hunt, should be a lot of fun 

[Pathfinder101]

I’ve had a Leupold Golden Ring spotter for over 10 years. Never had a problem and love it.
Elk will be down in the garbs until they get harvested. Then they’ll move back up the mountain until they get pushed around by wolves and bow hunters during the rut.    If you can get some private land permission you’ll have all your bases covered. If not you should still be able to find something on the public land.   Good luck 👍

[septemberhunt]

I am not sure what garbs are.

[one shot kill]

Garbanzo beans

[nwwanderer]

Chickpeas, garbanzo beans, have pretty much replaced green peas in the area.  They are harvested last and are a magnet for the elk.

[runamuk]

Chickpeas, garbanzo beans, have pretty much replaced green peas in the area.  They are harvested last and are a magnet for the elk.

Yup.
So I drive through and live and work in Dayton unit. Mostly see whitetails and bears, lots of cougars this year as well. The herd that frequents part of my drive has been incredibly scarce this season, but I have seen 2 juvenile bears in that area.

The predators have really pushed the deer and elk hard. I am sure they are still out there but sure not seeing them at all this year.

Good luck

[meatwhack]

Without any access to private ground you might as well just drive right past all the lower ag ground in the unit.

[septemberhunt]

Thanks for the replies. Heading over next weekend to do some scouting. And now I know what garbs are. Do the farmers give permission to hunt there land? If not I will hunt on the public land.

[Pathfinder101]

Thanks for the replies. Heading over next weekend to do some scouting. And now I know what garbs are. Do the farmers give permission to hunt there land? If not I will hunt on the public land.

Getting permission will be tough.  Try locating some Feel Free to Hunt land that is close to Garbonzo fields.  You will be hunting a week before everyone else, so there shouldn't be too much competition for the elk on the FFTH (deer hunters will be in there though).  Also, since the farmers are going batty trying to keep the elk out of their garbs and you are able to hunt on the 1st, you could try knocking on some doors.  Tell them you have a bull tag, that you can hunt on the first and that you will do everything in your power to keep his fields elk free for as long as you can...  It's worth a shot 
Too bad you don't have a cute kid with you that drew the tag.  They can usually get permission..

[Rooster79]

You are a lucky lucky man.  I have hunted Dayton for over 20yrs with my Dad that has hunted it for 50+yrs.  Chase Mountain!  Can’t go wrong.   There will be a huge bull up there especially In Archery season.  You better be in tip top shape.  Because this is your chance to knock down a monster!  Good luck 🍀!

[dvolmer]

Thanks for the referrals. Also another question. I am looking into getting a new spotting scope for the hunt and am not sure what one would be the best. What size would you need.  I have a $1,500 budget to spend on it.

No brain'r!  Vortex Razor if your budget is $1500.00.  Most glass for your money hands down!  unbelievable warranty to go with it!  If your budget was $3000.00 I would tell ya Swarofski.  But I would also tell you that you aren't getting that much more for the extra $1500.00.  I have had the Dayton tag (rifle) and I have hauled 6 big bulls out of there on my back!  All 6 points or bigger!  Not as easy as a lot of people think.  But it's doable and the bulls are large!  Just hope that the predators and native hunters haven't hit them to hard!  Good Luck!!!!

[elkchaser54]

Go in to the national forest plenty of big bulls in the public land. Message me if you have done some scouting and need some tips . I spoke hunt down there every year and help the lucky tag holders out when I can.